A horse race is a contest of speed between a number of horses competing for a prize. In addition to winning the race itself, the winner is awarded a share of the total bets placed on the race (the bettor’s “take out” deduction is taken into account when calculating the payout).
The word “horse race” has also come to refer to a specific type of political campaign, in which a pair of candidates compete against each other and often run neck-and-neck for the presidency. Similarly, the term “horse race journalism” has come to describe the tendency of news media to focus their coverage on two presidential candidates vying for voters’ attention, often to the detriment of third-party and independent candidates.
The horse race has been around for centuries and has evolved into a sport with complex rules governing eligibility, training and safety. In the 19th century, it became popular in Europe and America. Today, it is a multibillion-dollar industry. In the United States, horse races are run at many different venues, including racetracks, fairgrounds and state and county parks. They are typically regulated by the state and involve a large number of participants. Some races are open to all horses, while others have weight assignments designed to equalize the chances of a horse’s winning.
Some racehorses are bred for the purpose of racing and must be subjected to intense physical training. Injuries are common. Approximately three thoroughbreds die every day from injuries suffered during races, according to one study. Deaths can be caused by a variety of causes, including cardiovascular collapse and pulmonary hemorrhaging. Broken bones, shattered spines and ruptured ligaments are also common.
While running fast comes naturally to some horses, most must be urged on by humans perched on their backs with a whip to reach breakneck speeds that are not natural for them. These horses are also drugged to prevent pain, starved and injected with drugs to keep them from getting too tired.
As a result, they are not happy or healthy animals, and it is no surprise that they suffer from an addiction to racing. Moreover, they are often forced to live their entire lives in close proximity to other horses, which can be stressful. Fortunately, the horse racing industry is slowly moving to limit the use of the most dangerous drugs. The Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority is currently performing a three-year study on the effectiveness of Lasix, which is used to help horses recover from exercise and heat stress. It is hoped that the study will lead to a ban on the drug’s use during a race.